Hi,
Moving from Ireland to Australia, is no easy task. From booking, admin, goodbyes, all the way to packing up your life.
Let’s be honest, trying to squeeze your entire life into 30kg luggage allowance is a challenge.
Luckily for you I packed all the wrong things but stand by my packing methods to make the most out of your weight allowance!
Let’s get into it.
Vacuum Pack
A vacuum pack is a storage bag that allows you to compress your clothes by removing the air, either with a hoover!
This method is elite for packing up your life because it maximises space by significantly reducing the volume of bulky items like clothing.
It helped us fit more into our suitcases while keeping everything organised!
Don’t stress about your clothes coming out wrinkled from the vacuum pack- they’re going to end up that way after a 26+ hour travel day from home to here anyway.
Also, slip a scented sachet in before you seal the bag, I stock up in Primark when I visit home, it’ll keep your clothes smelling fresh when you unpack on the other side.
Packing List
I’m not saying you need to list out every single item, but a general packing guide can really help you avoid overpacking the wrong things (like I did) and ensure you remember the essentials.
Take a bit of time to research the weather at your destination, not just for when you arrive but for the first six months. I skipped this step and ended up with a wardrobe full of summer clothes during winter- not ideal, especially when you’re on a budget.
About a week before you leave, take note of everything you use while getting ready in the morning and winding down at night. This way, you won’t forget your must-haves and can keep your daily routine intact when you move.
Check Airline Details
This is something I can’t emphasise enough.
From our experience flying Dublin to Perth with Emirates, we were allowed a total of 30kg, spread across up to 10 bags.
Personally, I checked in 2 bags that came to 29kg combined. This packing was more comfortable because I wasn’t restricted to squeezing everything into one bag.
However, when flying the same route with Qatar, we found the allowance was 25kg, though I’m not sure how many bags that covers.
This is why it’s so important to reach out to your airline’s chat support and double-check what your baggage allowance is, trust me, it’ll save you a lot of stress!
Wrap Liquids
From experience, the last thing you want is to open your bag anywhere in the world and find everything covered in spilled toiletries.
I swear by using shopping bags, simply because of their versatility. Reuse them for shopping when you arrive, easy to wash, and they take up hardly any space in your luggage.
If you’re looking for a simpler option, bin bags work too, especially if you just want to bin them when you’re done.
I promise you don’t need to waste money on travel gadgets, stick to the basics.
Comfort Items
It might seem obvious, but take a moment to think about the little things you use every day that bring you joy.
It might sound silly to someone else, but it makes me happy every day, and that’s reason enough. For me, it was my Disney tumbler, I love using it at home, so I packed it.
With that, do not forget your favorite snacks. Daddy gave me some Percy Pigs before I left, and I saved them until I started my new job, enjoying a few when I felt a bit homesick that night.
Take a moment to think about what makes you smile and start a list on your phone as you notice these things.
When you’re missing home, it’s the small comforts that make all the difference.
Summary
Here’s my compiled list of essential items I recommend packing, based on what I originally packed, what I wish I’d brought, and what I ended up bringing back after my first visit home.
Feel free to download this image, print it out, and add your own personal comfort items to customise the list for you!
Good luck on your adventure and I hope this packing guide helps you have a seamless transition!
If you’re like me and love travel & photography, come join me on Instagram. I share my travel pictures here daily!
CYA xx
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